Pokhara’s Victory Ends Karnali’s Playoff Hopes

Karnali Yaks, who reached the playoffs last year, have become the first team to be eliminated from this year’s Nepal Premier League (NPL) playoff race.

They lost to Pokhara Avengers by 34 runs at the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground on Tuesday, December 2. Chasing 202, Karnali were dismissed for 167 in 19 overs.

This was Karnali’s fourth straight defeat and their fifth loss in six league matches. They still have one fixture remaining, against defending champions Janakpur Bolts. But even a win there will not lift them into the top four.

Earlier in the day, the Bolts secured their first win in five matches this season by beating Chitwan Rhinos. That result kept alive their faint chance of sneaking into the playoffs.

For Karnali, only opener Mark Watt showed resistance. He struck 59 off 34 balls, hitting five sixes and four fours. Priyank Panchal made 16 off 11 with two sixes. Jaykishan Kolsawala managed 6 off 10. Pawan Sarraf hit 19 off 14, with a four and a six. Najibullah Zadran added 24 off 15 with two fours and a six. Gulshan Jha scored 9, captain Sompal Kami 13, and Dipendra Rawat 10. Unish Singh was out for 1. Nandan Yadav finished unbeaten on 3, while Bipin Sharma fell for nought.

Dhananjaya Lakshan and Rishi Dhawan led Pokhara’s attack with three wickets apiece. Kiran Thagunna, Sandeep Chettri and captain Kushal Bhurtel claimed one each.

Earlier, the Avengers posted 201 for 2, powered by Adam Rossington’s blistering century. It was only the second 200-plus total of this NPL season.

Rossington hammered an unbeaten 108 off 58 balls, striking seven sixes and 11 fours. He was named player of the match. Bhurtel contributed 18 off 17. Jason Roy, making his first appearance for Pokhara and the NPL, hit 46 off 34 with three sixes and two fours. Lakshan remained unbeaten on 23 off 11.

Of the seven bowlers used by Karnali, only Yadav and Watt managed to take wickets.

The win lifted the Avengers to fourth place on the table, with four points from five matches.

Biratnagar Kings, third on the table with eight points from five matches, face Lumbini Lions—sixth with four points from five—in Wednesday’s only fixture. A win will secure Biratnagar a place in the playoffs.

Sudurpaschim Royals, the only unbeaten side this season, are already through with 10 points from five games. Kathmandu Gorkhas, level on points but ahead of Biratnagar on net run rate, sit second on the table. But, they have just one match remaining before the top four are confirmed.